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Hermosa Beach

The Spot

Why I recommend this place to locals

Great food, laid back scene, wonderful rustic patio.
“L.A.’s oldest natural health food restaurant”, 1 block from the beach. http://www.worldfamousspot.com/


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Hermosa Beach

Mergui Archipelago

(in Burma)

Worth visiting!

The last time I went to this place

The Moken (aka Salone, sea gypsies) are a seminomadic seafaring culture that live off the fruits of the Andaman Sea. They have their own ways and religion and live for 8 months or so in boats, returning to land during the rainy season.
Here is a Moken village on Bocho island. Nomads living in a village is rather contradictory—they are still seen living in their boats among the islands but through some series of events unknown to me, involving a combination of population and the government, some live in this spartan village headed by a buddhist monk/former army colonel.


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Hermosa Beach

Racetrack

Worth visiting!

It's not a racetrack

It’s a big dry lake bed, made up of a vast flat “playa” of dried mud. During the winter when it’s cold, windy, and wet, the rocks slide around on the surface. No one has seen them move, but the tracks they leave behind are left in the dry mud to see in better weather. Each rock takes a different course across the playa, some straight, some curvy, some zigzag. Most of the sliding rocks are on the southern end of the playa.


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Hermosa Beach

Eureka Dunes

Worth visiting!

A tip I have about this place

Some dunes are made of sand with the special property that when it avalanches down the slip face, it makes a low sound that can be described as a gong or groan. Eureka dunes are one of these, so in addition to being high, very beautiful, and somewhat remote, they possess this magical quality as well. When you go, find a steep slip face and try to create as big an avalanche of sand as you can – as the sand gains momentum down the face you may to lucky to hear this otherworldly sound.


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Hermosa Beach

Gamble House

Worth visiting!

A tip I have about this place

Even if you don’t like taking tours, take the 1 hour tour of this house if you have any interest in architecture or history – it is wonderful. The docents are excellent.


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Hermosa Beach

Ovalau

(in Fiji)

Worth visiting!

A tip I have about this place

I love this island! Spend a few days here if you get a chance. A week would be even better. They have a wonderful celebration on Fiji Day each year, if you’re in Levuka you can see how the former capital of Fiji commemorates this day and make some friends along the way. Levuka Homestay is a great place to stay in Levuka.


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Hermosa Beach

Levuka

(in Fiji > Ovalau)

Worth visiting!

Why I recommend this place to visitors

This is an old south seas town with a slow pace and friendly people. Set against a backdrop of steep green mountains, it is lush and beautiful and probably hasn’t changed much in the last 50 years. Maybe 100 years. There is no beach but the reef just off shore has great snorkeling. Maybe Epeli can take you out there in his boat. There are endless walking and hiking opportunities but only a couple of small restaurants.